In Psalm 23, David begins with God's name. Consider the implications of just His name, The LORD! His name, I AM means that He needs nothing, He never changes, He is loyal! His name declares that He is the covenant-keeping One!
"shepherd" in our text is a noun, but in the original languages it is actually a verb, so it should read, "the one shepherding" which indicates an intentional activity.

Because we have a convenant-keeping God who is actively shepherding us...the writer can write, "I shall not be in want." We can say it too!

Do you feel like you need nothing?

We lack no sabbath (rest) (in the presence of God)

Restores like filling potholes in a road. Repaved my weary soul.

He leads us in the right paths.

Sometimes the right paths lead us into the valley of the shadow of death.
     We lack no guidance
     We lack no provision
     We lack no guarantee...SURELY!!
     Follow means to Pursue!

So the BIG Question is...What right do I have to take this psalm and make it mine?

The basis that we have to take this psalm and call it ours:
One day a man stood with a group of His followers and said I AM the great shepherd! The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The cross is the evidence that this psalm is mine too! Because if a shepherd dies the sheep will too. But our Shepherd didn't stay dead!!

Dr. Matthew Hoskinson serves Christ by leading and teaching at The First Baptist Church in the City of New York